Root Canal Therapy

Saving Severely Damaged or Infected Teeth

Root canal therapy, often referred to as endodontic treatment, is a dental procedure that aims to save a severely damaged or infected tooth. The need for this intervention arises when the pulp, the innermost soft tissue containing nerves and blood vessels, becomes inflamed or infected due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures or traumatic injury. The goal of this treatment is to remove diseased tissue while preserving the natural tooth.

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Dr. Eddleman looking at dental X-ray with patient

Preserve Your Natural Teeth

During a root canal, Dr. Eddleman will carefully remove the infected or damaged pulp, clean and disinfect the interior of the tooth, and then seal it with a biocompatible material as well as a tooth-colored restoration. This process not only alleviates the pain associated with the infection, but also preserves the natural tooth, preventing the need for extraction. Despite its reputation, modern root canal therapy is a routine and generally painless procedure, providing patients with a restored and functional tooth.

Do I Need Root Canal Therapy?

If you have been told you need a root canal, it is important to understand why you need this procedure as opposed to an extraction. Root canal therapy is a dental procedure designed to save your natural tooth so that it does not need to be extracted. If you have severe decay, an abscess or a traumatic injury to a tooth, the structure and function of your tooth can be restored. If you have pain, a root canal aims to alleviate your pain, prevent the spread of infection and salvage your natural tooth.

Dental team member showing tooth model to patient

What to Expect During Root Canal Therapy

At Eddleman Dental, we understand the anxiety associated with a root canal procedure, but we want you to know that your comfort is our top priority. We have listed what to expect during this multistep procedure so that you can get a general idea of the process, which may ease any fear or anxiety you may have:

Local Anesthesia

Before starting the procedure, we will administer local anesthesia to numb the affected tooth and the surrounding area. This ensures that you remain comfortable and pain-free throughout the root canal procedure.

Isolation With Rubber Dam

Dr. Eddleman will place a rubber dam around the tooth to keep it dry and isolated from saliva during the procedure. This helps maintain a clean and sterile environment.

Access Opening

Using a dental drill, Dr. Eddleman creates an access opening in the crown of the tooth. This opening allows access to the pulp chamber and root canals.

Pulp Removal

We will then remove the infected or damaged pulp tissue from the pulp chamber and the root canals. Special instruments, including files and irrigating solutions, are used to clean and shape the canals.

Cleaning And Disinfection

The inside of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, including the pulp chamber and root canals, to eliminate bacteria, debris and any remaining infected tissue.

Filling The Canals

Once the canals are cleaned and shaped, they are filled with a biocompatible material. This material seals the canals to prevent future infection and provides structural support to the tooth.

Sealing The Access Opening

The access opening created at the beginning of the procedure is sealed with a temporary or permanent filling. In some cases, a dental crown may be recommended to further protect and strengthen the tooth.

Restoration Of The Tooth

In the final step, Dr. Eddleman may recommend placing a dental crown on the treated tooth. A crown restores the tooth’s functionality, provides protection against fractures and ensures a natural appearance.

Follow-Up And Aftercare

Eddleman Dental will provide post-treatment care instructions, and a follow-up appointment is scheduled to monitor the healing process.

Benefits of Root Canal Therapy

The primary benefit of root canal therapy is to alleviate pain. If your tooth has been infected or injured and the pulp of the tooth is inflamed, this procedure targets the source of the pain providing immediate relief. Additional benefits include:

Preserving Natural Teeth – This therapy allows for the preservation of the natural tooth structure and function, and you will not need an extraction.
Preventing Spread Of Infection – By removing the infected pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the inside of the tooth and sealing the tooth, root canal therapy prevents the spread of infection to surrounding tissues.
Functional Restoration – Following a successful root canal, the tooth is typically restored with a crown. This not only strengthens the tooth but also ensures its proper function during biting and chewing. The crown provides protection against potential fractures and damage.
Efficient And Long-Lasting Solution – Root canal therapy is a time-tested and highly successful procedure. It provides an efficient and long-lasting solution to dental issues, offering patients the opportunity to enjoy the benefits for years to come.

Find Out if Root Canal Therapy is Right for You

Eddleman Dental is pleased to provide root canal therapy for patients who have severe decay, infection or who have suffered an injury to a tooth. This procedure goes beyond pain relief—it is a comprehensive solution that preserves oral health, function and aesthetics, offering patients a chance to maintain their natural smiles for many years. If you would like to learn more about this procedure and its benefits, request an appointment at our Monroe, LA office.

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Comprehensive Dental Care You Can Trust

Your Smile, Our Passion

Our friendly, welcoming team at Eddleman Dental is proud to offer a near-zero wait time with high-quality results using our advanced technology. We treat patients of all ages, and we love getting to know our patients and treating them like family.

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